Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that in 2026, Ukraine will receive 2.5 times fewer interceptors than in 2025, while Russia is launching twice as many ballistic missiles each month.
“If they [the US] can sell us 10%, we will eliminate all Russian ballistic missiles. I currently have 1%,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian leader has directly reached out to the White House and through allies to request an increase in missile aid. However, he did not disclose specifics about his recent communications with the Trump administration.
“Millions of phone calls… I am trying to exchange something for missiles… I am doing some things that I cannot even talk about. This doesn’t mean that it’s illegal. But I can’t discuss it,” Zelensky added.
Context
- During a meeting with Trump in late July, Zelensky requested 300 Patriot missiles for Ukraine, but the US President declined, according to media reports.
- The Washington Post reported on August 5 that this year the Trump administration encouraged European countries to share missiles with Ukraine, but some of these nations refused. Politico also noted that several European allies claim to have few missiles left to share.
- The missile shortage has worsened due to the US conflict with Iran, during which significant numbers of interceptors were used by the US and Gulf nations.
